Weird News

It's a mystery shrouded in a mystery ... the monolith has disappeared.

The shiny metal, which was adorned a remote area of Utah, is there no more ... according to Utah officials.

All they would say is that it was removed Friday evening, but they don't know who did it.

The monolith was planted on land managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management.

Here's what the officials said ... "We have received credible reports that the illegally installed structure, referred to as the “monolith” has been removed from Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands by an unknown party. The BLM did not remove the structure which is considered private property. We do not investigate crimes involving private property which are handled by the local sheriff’s office. The structure has received international and national attention and we received reports that a person or group removed it on the evening of Nov. 27.”

It seems someone used a concrete-cutting tool to remove the monolith. Removing it must have been a bitch, because it was buried deep in the ground.

The Bureau of Land Management said it would NOT be investigating the circumstances surrounding its removal -- it's leaving it up to the local sheriff.

Charizard was always the most coveted holographic Pokemon card -- so it's not hard to believe someone might drop half a mil for one of the rarest ones out there.

Goldin Auctions is hawking a 1999 1st edition Charizard card that's got all the nerdy fixings that trading card aficionados geek out on. Namely, this one's got a grade of Gold Label Pristine 10 by SGC, and it's Black Diamond Certified ... meaning it's in near-mint condition. So yeah, it's beyond valuable, people!!!

The opening bid for this thing started at $50k, and the current bid stands at $150k ... and there's still two weeks left for people to jump in.

As for why GA honchos think their Charizard card could go for at least $500k -- we're told they're basing it on a few factors. For one, another Charizard card with a 10 rating recently got bought and sold in a private transaction for a whopping $250k.

Not only that, but Charizard is getting a second lease on life as far as interest in the younger generation -- one Logan Paul recently bought a Charizard card that was also graded 10 for a cool $150k. Bottom line ... we're told the Goldin Auctions folks believe the demand is there, and they're banking on people dropping a pretty penny for theirs.

There's only 10 people with bids on this card for now -- but by the closing bell, Goldin is expecting way more ... and for the price to fall at a record number. If it hits $500,000, like they're hoping, it would be the first time someone's shelled out that much for a Charizard.

'Memba that concert full of fans enclosed in plastic bubbles -- well, the Flaming Lips are bringing 'em back for the simplest, safest way to rock out ... even before the coronavirus vaccines arrive.

Lead singer Wayne Coyne took us inside the bubble, if you will, explaining how it all works ... ahead of 2 more shows they're putting on next month. It might look like a logistical nightmare, but he says it's all about organization and location.

He says they've actually got the whole thing down to a science ... as the world saw when they debuted the COVID-safe concept last month. Videos from the show went viral due to the ingenuity.

For starters, Wayne says you need a big old open space ... and you also gotta herd the cattle a bit, so to speak, so everyone can get outfitted in their personal bubble before the concert kicks off -- a good 45 minutes or so beforehand is about what's necessary.

Now, we know what you're thinking. Can you hear anything from in there? And, how do they inflate it?? AND, can a person breathe in these damn things?!? All valid questions -- and lucky for you, we asked. Wayne's got all the answers.

Megan Thee Stallion has inspired untold numbers of people, so add a turkey to the list.

This little gizzard -- posted on TikTok by one Joel Erkkinen -- couldn't stay still for Megan's "Body" challenge as it shook its rump and slightly spread its wings. Pretty hilarious, don't ya think?

The challenge is officially a thing. We knew that earlier in the week, when a Starbucks employee got down with it. MTS posted a video Tuesday of Hunter Gallagher doing the "Body" dance moves from behind the counter. Megan liked it so much she reposted it.

If you're worried about having enough wipes for your counters or toilet paper for your bum, don't be -- suppliers have so much of the good stuff now, it's coming out their ... y'know.

TMZ spoke with companies in the disinfectant and tush tissue trades, and they assure us they're well-equipped to handle more lockdowns, and even panic buying. The bottom line, if you will ... they've learned from the first time around.

Take Cottonelle and Scott toilet paper, for example ... a rep for Kimberly-Clark -- the personal care conglomerate owns both brands -- tells us there's absolutely enough supply of both as COVID's resurgence has many states teetering on the verge of hunkering down again.

We're told KC cut back on manufacting other products it sells in order to focus resources on cranking out more perforated protection for your caboose.

There's another company called Bumboo -- which makes bamboo toilet paper -- and they tell us something similar ... that they've gotten ahead of an anticipated second surge -- which knocked 'em on their ass the first time around -- and put their manufacturing into overdrive.

As a result, we're told Bumboo has a lot of overstock right now heading into winter. The company's also pointing folks to its subscription service as an efficient way to order ahead of time.

As for the other wipes -- for objects and surfaces -- a rep for Clorox tells us the company is shipping out about 1 million packages per DAY in an effort to keep up with demand, which, as you'd expect, has been super high.

Clorox says it's already shipped out 50% more product this year than all of 2019.

Still, if you went shopping last weekend you know the rush is already on -- many of the big retailers, like Target in Bev Hills, had empty shelves as buzz spread about curfews and new COVID closures.

If you truly wanna go off the deep end, head for Poland ... which now has bragging rights on pierogies AND the world's deepest swimming and diving pool.

The fittingly named Deepspot opened in Mszczonów over the weekend, featuring a depth of 45.5 meters ... which is nearly 150-feet deep. The pool holds 8,000 cubic meters of water, which is more water than 25 Olympic-sized swimming pools!!!

Ya might've figured this isn't your local YMCA lap pool ... the venue will serve as a training facility for military and firefighters -- and give otherwise landlocked scuba and free divers a place to explore.

Deepspot also features manmade underwater caves, faux Mayan ruins, and a reproduction of a shipwreck. It's open to visitors as well, and includes a hotel with underwater views, a tunnel for spectators ... and a restaurant.

Cue up Richard Strauss' 'Also Sprach' and the enchanting wailing sirens, because it sure looks like Stanley Kubrick's classic SciFi flick is coming to life ... in the Utah desert.

A sleek metallic monolith was discovered last week in the middle of freakin' nowhere -- an incredibly remote area in the southeastern part of the state, according to officials at the Utah Department of Public Safety Aero Bureau.

Of course, that instantly reminded them and everyone else of "2001: A Space Odyssey" -- which featured a similar monolith as a crucial part of the plot.

The government officials found it while they were helicoptering over the land to count bighorn sheep (no, they weren't suffering insomnia) when someone spotted the monolith down below.

No word if there were any pre-evolution apes roaming around and killing each other with bones!

The object -- which is estimated to be anywhere from 10 to 12 feet tall -- is said to have been "installed" in the red rock ground ... almost like it had been planted there. The UDPSAB team says it doesn't know who put it there -- no clues at this point.

Now, before you go jumping to alien theories ... you should know the scientists say it's like an art installation piece placed by someone (aka homo sapien) rather than any type of out-of-this-world phenomenon. In fact, they go so far as to scold whoever might've done it because it's illegal. Still, they can't find a culprit.

A pro soccer player could be facing discipline from his league ... after he straight-up grabbed his opponent's penis TWICE in a disturbing in-game incident that was all caught on video.

Here's the deal ... on Saturday in England, Preston North End FC player Darnell Fisher was trying to guard Sheffield Wednesday's Callum Paterson during a corner kick in the second half.

Video of the play showed Fisher got super close to Paterson ... and then Fisher suddenly grabbed Paterson's junk.

Paterson was clearly upset by the move -- he looked over at the ref to see if the official was going to say something to Fisher -- and that's when Fisher cupped Paterson's genitals yet again.

The two eventually separated, and Fisher's Preston squad ended up winning the game 1-0 ... but afterward, the Football Association reportedly launched a probe into the incident.

According to Sky Sports, the FA is set to investigate whether or not it should punish Fisher for the move.

Similar incidents in sports this past year have garnered big discipline ... remember, rugby star Joe Marler was hit with a 10-WEEK ban for grabbing a guy's penis in a game.

This tops every video this week ... an enormous elephant hoisted from a well and pulled to safety ... and it only took 12 hours!!!

It was an incredible feat. The majestic beast fell into a deep well in India and rescuers jumped into action. The dilemma -- how to pull all that tonnage up to solid ground.

The rescue effort began in daylight Thursday but extended into darkness, as the elephant was secured by ropes and then a crane was dispatched to lift the creature.

The animal was sedated and slowly ... it was lifted from the base of the well and ascended.

When all was said and done, the elephant emerged from the darkness ... with cheers from rescuers and onlookers. It was freed from the ropes and stood with obvious relief. The elephant's fine!

Apparently, wells are an attractive nuisance for elephants ... 2 others have fallen into Indian wells recently ... not to be confused with Indian Wells outside Palm Springs.

An American Airlines flight encountered one of the most terrifying things a plane could go through mid-flight -- one of its windows started looking like a spider web ... and it happened in the cockpit, no less.

Check out these wild photos TMZ obtained of an AA flight that was on its way to Cleveland, OH Saturday ... something apparently struck the cockpit's windshield and damn near shattered it to pieces.

BTW, this happened midway through the trip ... the plane was forced to turn around for an emergency landing in Chicago.

The passengers didn't know anything was amiss, until the captain got on the intercom and said it looks like they hit something and the window was cracked. The pilot reassured passengers the plane was still fully operational ... nonetheless, it was really scary.

The jet was greeted by fire trucks and other emergency vehicles. It taxied to the gate and the relieved passengers disembarked.

After an hour's wait, passengers boarded another plane and were off on their merry way. American tells us they're looking into the incident.

Hopefully, Sully was on standby ... just in case.

WELCOME TO FART COURT -- where allegations of flatulence are taken seriously and investigated accordingly.

Today's suspect ... Ronnie O'Sullivan, a star snooker player from England, who appeared to rip a humungous fart during competition this week but tried to blame it on the judge.

The evidence ... Ronnie -- aka "The Rocket" -- was participating in the Northern Ireland Open on Wednesday, competing against Matthew Stevens when someone tore ass.

The arena was basically empty due to COVID -- so the only people in the room were the players and officials.

In other words, you could hear a pin drop ... or in this case, a buttcheek ripple.

The poot was so loud, everyone took notice -- including the announcers who immediately cracked jokes and began to suggest Ronnie was the flatulator.

But, Ronnie didn't take the blame initially -- instead, looking at an official and asking, "Was that you?!"

J'ACCUSE!!!

But, the denial didn't last long, Ronnie eventually copped to the anal honk ... saying after the match, "I dropped my guts -- I am taking full ownership of that. I have had stomach problems for a couple of months."

He continued, "I did say 'Was that you' to the referee but, I am proud of that one."

Tournament officials were also asked about the incident -- and confirmed O'Sullivan as the master blaster.

So, there you have it ... Ronnie -- GUILTY AS CHARGED!!

Holly Madison is gonna loooove this ... her BF, Zak Bagans, just dropped a fat stack on the famous clown from "Poltergeist," and wants to keep it in his bedroom!!!

The "Ghost Adventures" star tells TMZ ... he threw down a cool $80,000 at an auction, and snagged the original clown prop doll from the 1980s classic horror film.

The doll's supposedly cursed -- 4 cast members died either during or soon after filming. That folklore explains why Zak's been trying to buy the clown for over a decade.

It was previously on display at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. Now that he's finally got it, Zak thinks his bedroom's the perfect place for a test spin. Although, he plans to eventually display it at his Haunted Museum.

The movie prop was used in the unforgettable scene when Oliver Robins' character, little Robbie Freeling, gets attacked by the clown doll in his bedroom.

A jetliner tragically hit a brown bear while landing in the dark of night, causing an alarming amount of damage to the jet -- but, thankfully, a nearby cub narrowly survived.

It was an Alaska Airlines plane that got caught up in the freak accident early Saturday morning, with the flight coming in from Cordova, AK and touching down at the Yakutat Airport before the sun had come out.

According to reports, all normal procedures were followed prior to landing -- airport personnel on the ground didn't see the mama brown bear and her cub crossing the runway ... this just 10 minutes after they'd done a scan and given the all-clear.

The plane struck the bear after it had landed and was coming to a stop, before taxiing to the gate. The aircraft's left engine hit the bear, and was clearly damaged afterward. Considering the size of a 737 compared to your average car ... you get a picture of just how dangerous an afternoon drive could be in Alaska.

No one on board the plane was injured, and a 2-year-old cub that was with its mom avoided the jet.

'Good Bones' star Karen Laine's home is the perfect place to drop one's pants and leave a mark -- at least that's what a brash burglar thinks ... since they've already done it twice.

The HGTV home renovator had her Indianapolis home burglarized recently, which made for the third time her house had been broken into and the 2nd time someone left behind a piece of crap as a f*** you -- that's what Karen's saying anyway, according to local media.

She told FOX59, "It's sort of an epithet to say I poop on you." Laine told another outlet that she thinks this is personal, because whoever deuced has done so twice now in the same place (the garage) where she says there's an obvious bathroom right there for the using.

As for what was taken -- Laine says her hubby's bike got jacked, her purse and some other stuff. Fortunately, Laine is a former prosecutor ... so as soon as she noticed her credit cards being used, she jumped on the case and started hitting places up for surveillance video.

Cops are looped in too, obviously, and she feels like they'll be able to catch the crook soon -- especially since they're apparently going to test the caca for DNA.

Sylvester Stallone has an odd recommendation on how to make this already strange Thanksgiving even more bizarre ... ditch the turkey altogether!!!

We got Rocky in Bev Hills and asked about the many challenges families will be facing during their upcoming holiday get-togethers ... and it seems his visit to Mulberry Street Pizzeria was still very much on his mind.

Rambo tells us he thinks everyone needs to switch it up -- just for 2020 -- and dish out Chicago style hot dogs and pizza this year. He even says he's going to do this himself ... though we get the feeling he's fibbing.

Sly sounds sincere about one thing though -- he feels families should be left to decide what's best for them in regards to handling Turkey Day with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Next time you're at Costco, after you buy the obligatory 50 rolls of paper towels, you might want to plunk down a small fortune at checkout for a private jet membership.

Yep, it's a sign of the terrible times. Costco is hawking access to the world of private jets for the very reasonable cost of $17,500.

It's another acknowledgment during COVID times ... lots of people are afraid to hop on a commercial jet with hundreds of passengers.

Here's how it works. Costco hooked up with Wheels Up, a charter jet company offering 1- year memberships. The company touts its service as being as easy as ride-sharing.

So here's what you get for $17.5k -- in addition to the 1-year membership, you get a $3,500 Costco Shop Card and $4,000 in-flight credits. The package includes a 1-year membership to Inspirato, which offers luxury vacation rentals.

Wheels Up has more than 300 planes in its fleet and 1,250 more with partner companies, so there's access to an aircraft pretty much year-round.